Public Accommodations
Pursuant to State Government Article, §20-304, Annotated Code of Maryland, it is unlawful for an owner or operator of a place of public accommodation or an agent/employee of the owner or operator to refuse, withhold from, or deny to anyone the accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of a place of public accommodation because of race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
The law protects you in the following settings including, but not limited to:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Theatres
- Bus & Transportation Services
- Recreational & Aquatic Centers
- Governmental Facilities
- Gas Stations, Department Stores & Retail Establishments
- Sidewalks, Parking Lots, & Other Public Surface Areas
- Office Buildings & Commercial Establishments
- Museums, Amusement Parks, & Other Public Attractions
Examples of equal access include, but is not limited to:
- Entrances & Exits
- Restrooms
- Customer Sales & Services
The statute of limitations to file a complaint with MCCR alleging unlawful discrimination by a place of public accommodation is 6 months from the date of the alleged discriminatory act.
If you believe that actions have been taken against you based on a discriminatory animus, it is imperative that you contact our agency immediately to initiate an inquiry, so that we can assist you in determining if you have been a victim of public accommodations discrimination. Our trained Intake Staff will guide you through the intake process and, through a series of questions and interviews, help you analyze your situation to determine if the actions taken against you meet the threshold of being considered discriminatory.
For deaf and hard of hearing individuals as well as those with limited English proficiency, MCCR provides Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services free of charge to you upon request. MCCR will also assist with securing an interpreter free of charge if one is requested in advance of your appointment with MCCR.
How to file a complaint with MCCR
If you believe you are a victim of unlawful discrimination and you wish to file a complaint, our Intake Unit is ready to assist you. The first step is to initiate an inquiry online.